GN38045 Graphic shows profile of Macedonia, and details of name dispute.

Macedonia close to deal on name dispute with Greece

06/12/2018
Graphic News

June 12, 2018 -- Officials in Greece and Macedonia have said they are close to reaching a draft agreement to resolve a decades-old name dispute – but the proposed compromise is facing dissent in both countries.

Greece wants the former Yugoslav republic to change or modify its name to avoid any claim to the territory and ancient heritage of Greece’s region of Macedonia – birthplace of ancient warrior king Alexander the Great.

A resolution of the dispute would see Greece lift its objections to Macedonia’s accession to NATO.

But Greek opponents of the deal – that would likely rename the Balkan republic as “North” or “New” Macedonia – say it would not go far enough.